From Big Brands to Beeswax: How Julie Macken Built a Natural Skincare Brand with Buzz

What happens when a corporate marketer swaps global campaigns for local beeswax? In this fun and inspiring episode of PR LIKE A BOSS!, host Patz sits down with Julie Macken, co-founder of Neve’s Bees, to talk all things purpose, PR, and natural skincare. Julie spent 25 years working with the likes of Unilever, GSK, McDonald’s, and McCain—before a lightbulb moment in Brazil changed everything. Now, she’s on a mission to create better skincare using her chemistry background, real ingredients (hint: beeswax, not “aqua”), and bloody-minded tenacity.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why Julie left big brand life to launch a purpose-led indie skincare business
• How PR helped Neve’s Bees land on the BBC News homepage
• What waterless skincare really means—and why it’s more than a trend
• The ingredients Julie swears by (spoiler: olive oil from a restaurant made the list)
• Why most skincare routines are far too complicated (and what to do instead)
• Which PR tactics get a “Buzz” or “Bust” in our rapid-fire fun segment!

Brands & Mentions:

Unilever, GSK, McDonald’s, McCain, Wild, Mintel, Soil Association

Plus a cheeky shout-out to Florence Pugh, Julie’s dream influencer (manifesting hard!).

🎁 GIVEAWAY ALERT!

We’ve teamed up with Neve’s Bees to give one lucky UK-based listener a gorgeous skincare bundle worth over £100!

To enter:

1. Follow (@pgaleota / @prlikeaboss) and @nevesbees on Instagram
2. Share today’s episode Reel and tag @pgaleota

Deadline: 10PM GMT, Monday 28th July 2025.

🔗 Links & Resources:

🌐 Neve’s Bees Website

📸 Follow @nevesbees on Instagram

🎓 Check out the PR LIKE A BOSS! eCourse HERE

💬 Loved this episode? Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe and share it with your fellow brand builders, skincare junkies, and PR pros.

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